Tim Wakefield: Ray Killer

Tonight we get exactly what we need: Tim Wakefield pitching at the Trop against the artists formerly known as the Devil Rays. Unless the flu that has ripped through the Red Sox locker room like Captain Trips gets to him, Wakefield should give the overworked bullpen a break. His dominance over the Rays is unmatched. He 19-3 lifetime, 9-1 at the Trop with a 2.41 ERA. The bullpen has been pulling extra duty, thanks to the fallen starters and a series of Triple-A fill-ins and Lester on short rest.

The Boston bats will face Matt Garza, fresh off the DL with an “irritated nerve” in his right arm. Yeah, that’s his pitching arm. Look for lots of offense.